Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to reenter Earth today.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to reenter Earth today.

The Dragon spacecraft, currently transporting the AX-4 crew back to Earth, is set to make a dramatic return as it prepares for re-entry into the planet’s atmosphere. As it descends, the capsule will generate a brief but distinctive sonic boom — a powerful sound caused by the shockwaves created when an object travels faster than the speed of sound. This sonic signature will serve as an audible announcement of the spacecraft’s imminent arrival. Following this, the capsule will safely parachute into the Pacific Ocean during splashdown, marking the successful completion of the mission. Recovery teams will be standing by to retrieve the crew and spacecraft immediately after landing.

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Return to Earth Today After Historic Space Mission

After 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to return home — bringing to a close a landmark chapter in India’s space journey. The decorated Air Force officer, along with his international Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crewmates, is currently aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which is on course to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of San Diego.

The return is scheduled for today, July 15, 2025, at approximately 3:01 p.m. IST (2:31 a.m. Pacific Time), marking the culmination of a 22.5-hour journey from orbit to ocean. As the Dragon nears Earth, it will produce a brief sonic boom — a signature sound that announces the spacecraft’s high-speed reentry — before parachuting down into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

India’s Historic Leap into Private Spaceflight

For Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, this mission was more than just a personal milestone. It was a proud first — making him the first Indian astronaut to travel to space under a private spaceflight program. Flying as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, his voyage represents India’s growing presence in the evolving global space economy and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight in collaboration with international partners.

Shukla, a veteran test pilot in the Indian Air Force, was selected for this mission following rigorous training in both Houston and India. Throughout his time aboard the ISS, he conducted scientific experiments, participated in zero-gravity training modules, engaged with students back on Earth via livestreams, and shared glimpses of life in orbit — inspiring a new generation of aspiring astronauts across India.

Final Hours in Orbit

According to mission officials, the Dragon capsule began its autonomous journey back to Earth shortly after undocking. The 22.5-hour return voyage involves a series of carefully calculated burns, orbital realignments, and reentry maneuvers, all coordinated by SpaceX’s ground control teams in California and Texas.

The crew has been closely monitored for health and safety during this descent. smooth ride back through Earth’s atmosphere.

Sonic Boom and Splashdown: A Moment of Reentry

As the spacecraft plunges through the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere at speeds exceeding 28,000 kilometers per hour, the resulting friction will heat the vehicle’s heat shield to thousands of degrees Celsius. In this phase, a brief but powerful sonic boom is expected to be heard over coastal areas near San Diego — a signal that the capsule is rapidly decelerating for splashdown.

Shortly afterward, the Dragon’s drogue parachutes will deploy, followed by the main chutes, which will slow the spacecraft significantly before it gently lands in the ocean. Recovery teams will be on standby aboard vessels, ready to retrieve both the capsule and its crew within minutes of splashdown.

Awaiting Homecoming

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Air Force, and government officials are closely following Shukla’s return. His mission has been celebrated across India, with students, scientists, and citizens glued to livestreams and social media updates. His successful return is expected to trigger national celebrations and a formal reception in New Delhi upon his arrival.

In a brief video message shared from orbit last week, Shukla had said:

His humility and grace underlined the symbolic value of this journey — not just for space exploration, but for India’s growing stature on the world stage.

Looking Ahead

The Ax-4 mission, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, is part of a broader vision to normalize commercial human spaceflight and pave the way for privately operated space stations in the future. For India, the inclusion of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla signals a new era of international partnerships and opportunities.

As the Dragon capsule prepares for its final descent today, millions will be watching the skies — and their screens — with pride, hope, and anticipation.

Because today, when the sonic boom breaks over the Pacific and the Dragon dips into Earth’s blue cradle, it will carry not just a crew, but the dreams of a rising spacefaring nation.